This year’s Delegate heritage weekend will be held on 24-26 October, providing residents of the village and visitors an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Delegate area, home to the Ngarigo people for thousands of years and one of the first places settled on the Monaro by Europeans.

Sharing stories has always been important to both Ngarigo peoples and those that followed.

Hosted by the Delegate Progress Association the 2025 event will feature ‘Kingbrown’, acclaimed champion of camp oven cooking and an engaging story teller, an afternoon tea at the Early Settlers Hut complete with damper, billy tea, tales of one of the first managers of Delegate Station and a potted history of the hut.

Art exhibitions at both the Borderline and Bundian Way Galleries will be set up, interactive displays at the Delegate School of Arts, a launch of new historical video clips, market stalls, a launch of the Delegate Archery Association and replacement of the sign marking the Black Allen Line, the border between Victoria and NSW.

The weekend activities focus on sharing the social development of the area and Delegate School of Arts president, Doreen Standon, is particularly pleased the displays at the School of Arts will showcase the range and importance of activities hosted by the organisation for more than 100 years.

“Researching the history of the School of Arts has unearthed some fantastic insights into the social development of the area,” Ms Standon said.

“A current member of the committee, Penny Judge, has now produced a small booklet detailing activities and, together with other members of the committee, she has developed interactive displays for the heritage weekend.

“The displays cover both the serious side of running the School of Arts as well as some of the events and activities held, including film nights, roller coaster events, go-go girls dancing on stage, fetes and flower shows.

“She has also organised some old time games and entertainment to add to the atmosphere. It promises to be a great addition to heritage weekend of activities,” she said.

Delegate Progress Association has released books, CDs, and video clips recognising the unique history of the area and since 2012 visitors have been able to view Indigenous art at the Bundian Way Gallery and gain an insight into Indigenous culture.

Murray van der Veer will be launching the final videos in stage two of the Discover Delegate project.

One of these videos traces the history of mountain cattlemen and will tie nicely to ‘Kingbrown’s’ demonstrations. Another of the videos features the work of Delegate Primary School children who have been working with him to capture some of the interests of the current generation.

A much loved local, Gary Mallard, who died in 2024, left behind a bequest to start the Delegate Archery Club.

The club will be launched as part of heritage weekend and membership forms will be on hand.

There will also be a great display of traditional bows and arrows.

“We would like to thank Snowy River Interstate Land Care who have funded some of the activities to ensure that we have something for everyone and we hope to welcome visitors from right across the region,” Delegate Progress Association president, Robin Guthrie, said.

The program:

Friday 6pm - opening of exhibitions at both the Borderline and Bundian Way Galleries.

Saturday from 10am - Bill Jeffreys Park - market stalls, refreshments, ‘Kingbrown’, archery display, planting out of Indigenous garden; Delegate School of Arts interactive historical displays, photographic exhibition by Betty Bruns.

Noon - both galleries open

Saturday 3pm - afternoon tea at the Early Settlers Huts, billy tea and damper and talks

Saturday 6pm - Delegate Country Club dinner from 6pm. Bookings 0428 460 192; dinner and live music at Delegate Hotel.

Sunday 10.30am - unveiling of new plaque recognising the Black Allen Line, the border between Victoria and NSW.

Sunday 11.30am - morning tea and launch of new videos at Delegate School of Arts followed by lunch.

For additional information contact Delegate Progress Association on 6458 8388.